ANN ARBOR -- When Jibreel Black broke through the line of scrimmage Saturday and blasted Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner for a tackle-fumble on the first series of the game, Michigan looked like the real deal.

But when Leidner, and his stable of running backs, pounded the football down the Wolverines' throat for a massive 16-play drive minutes later, Michigan suddenly looked like something else.

Through five games, we know the following: Michigan's undefeated, it has more than enough talent and its young.

Beyond that? Well, not much.

At times during Michigan's 42-13 win over Minnesota on Saturday, the Wolverines played the role of Big Ten title contender.

The Gophers looked over-matched in terms of talent, they had trouble keeping up with Michigan's skill players, the Wolverines put together five offensive touchdown drives and even recorded a defensive score.

Not a bad day's work.

But then there was the opposite.

Minnesota controlled first down for most of the game, pushing Michigan's defensive line off the ball consistently and eventually converting 8 of 15 third down attempts. The Wolverines' new-look offensive line wasn't exactly dominant either, as Michigan's 113 yards on 35 carries was anything but impressive.

This was a routine romp, as Minnesota never led and never really threatened to make the Wolverines uncomfortable, just like everyone expected.

But the Gophers were playing without their head coach, and in reality, they're probably once again a bottom-tier club in this league despite a 4-2 overall record.

Was there improvement Saturday? Absolutely.

Devin Gardner finally stopped trying to win the Heisman Trophy every time he took a snap and began to play within himself, and within the confines of the offense. He was razor-sharp through the air when he needed to be, and he never once forced an up-for-grabs pass that could have resulted in an interception.

Turnovers have absolutely been Michigan's biggest bugaboo this season, and Gardner should be commended for being mature enough to finally put a stop to the issue -- even if it was only for one game.

Michigan also appeared to be much more multiple offensively. The staff's decision to use Devin Funchess in a hybrid role was both necessary and commendable. Funchess is too powerful a downfield weapon not to be placed in positions to succeed, and frankly, the injury to Amara Darboh left Michigan's wide receiving corps without a real vertical passing threat.

Derrick Green wasn't brilliant, but at least he was involved. Fitz Toussaint wasn't jaw-dropping, but he continues to run as hard as he has at any point during his Michigan career.

But there are still question marks. And they remain the same.

The gut of this team, its meat and potatoes, still seems to be a bit soft.

The offensive line couldn't create enough push against Minnesota's defensive line to salt the game away. The defensive line couldn't generate enough of a push throughout the game to harass a freshman quarterback during his first visit to Michigan Stadium.

Are the Wolverines a serious Big Ten title contender? Right now, we really don't know. And the keys to the real answer lies up front on both sides of the football.

This week's trip to Penn State should help clarify some of these questions, even if the Nittany Lions aren't exactly a league power.

The game will be played at night, sort of (5 p.m.), and it'll be the most hostile environment the Wolverines have seen this season. Penn State's throwing a white out on homecoming, and it just got embarrassed last week at Indiana.

On paper, this team still has what it takes to make it to Indianapolis for the Big Ten title game. The Wolverines are still 5-0, and they've got a terrific shot at hitting 7-0 before the meat of the schedule begins at Michigan State on Nov. 2.

But paper burns.

Starting this week, in enemy territory, we should start to get some real answers on what type of team Brady Hoke has this season.